Nepal is a wonderland full of myths and mythologies, colors and food, customs and traditions, and most importantly, amazing people and rich culture. It has, in recent times, become one of the most popular destinations for tourists, making thousands of people from first and second-world countries willing to visit Nepal, especially solo travel. Are you one of them too? Then you have hit the jackpot.
Continue reading and discover all the tips and tricks regarding your solo travel to Nepal.
Is Nepal safe to travel alone? Well, this is the most common question that pops up in the mind of every solo traveler before they confirm their journey. I am sure you have the same question in mind. With honesty, Nepal is one of the safest countries in the world, with fewer crimes and dangers. So, it is safe for solo travelers to plan their solo trip to Nepal without any second thoughts.
However, it is only foolish to trust the country blindly. No country in this world will treat you like your own country does. You always have to be cautious, no matter how safe a place or a person looks. It is not to throw any negative shade on the country but a way of ensuring that your trip is free of any troublesome events. Therefore, today’s blog will take you through all the tips and points you must keep in mind before you start your solo journey to Nepal!
Is Nepal Safe To Travel Alone? Safety Tips For you
Yes, Nepal is a safe space for solo travelers. Even solo female travelers can have the best time of their life without being worried about emergencies and crimes. However, it is recommended that the traveler must always be secure and cautious to avoid scams and mischiefs that might come along from a third party.
Nepal is a third-world country located in South Asia, known for its natural beauty and holy temples. It is a landlocked country that holds eight of the ten highest mountain peaks. One of the most famous that makes Nepal a paradise for travelers is Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. It is a gateway to the Himalayas, beautiful dense jungles, deserts, mountain regions, and rice fields that will keep you in awe throughout your journey.
The wonderful combination of mountains, hills, gardens, and fields makes Nepal one of the most beautiful destinations for travelers, especially solo women travelers. It is heaven for people who love traveling as they will never be tired of the beauty that it nurtures. Even major cities in the country have a lot in stock, from markets to restaurants, that will keep one busy throughout the day.
However, to make such a stunning place really enjoyable, there are some safety majors that you must keep in mind as a solo traveler. We will talk about all the tips that are generally safe for you to remember. Continue reading below!
Tips For Solo Travel In Nepal
Here are some of the most important things you must keep in mind before traveling to Nepal alone.
1. Book Trusted Accommodations
Since you are traveling alone, the first and foremost thing to do is find a place that you can trust. You will find many hotels and homestays on the internet, but make sure you research well. There are many luxury hotels with tight security and well-maintained services that can make your solo trip even better.
Nevertheless, most solo travelers like to travel on a budget. They prefer cheaper options like guesthouses, homestays, or hostels. You will find many hostels and guesthouses with good host families that will ensure you get all that you desire. However, you have to be careful while choosing a guest house as well. If you find fewer guests even in the peak season, the guesthouse you have chosen may be subject to many wrongdoings.
For easy research, try and connect with trusted websites like TripAdvisor and read reviews before you finalize your decision. Although Nepal is a safe country, it is preferable that you stay in not less than a 3-star place for safety measures as a solo traveler.
2. Always Stay Lowkey
One of the most important things you need to do once you land in the country is to avoid showing off your wealth. No matter how wealthy you are, never flash bundles of cash in front of people. Even if you have enough money to spend, never let the other person know how affluent you are. It is an essential safety measure to keep in mind if you want to keep yourself safe from becoming the victim of a crime.
People in south Asian countries casually believe that all westerners are rich people. So, if you try and show off once you land, you might be the target of roaming thieves and get caught in something unwanted.
3. Eat Safely In Good Restaurants
While we all love street food, sometimes you have to be a little more careful as a solo traveler. Being in a foreign country all by yourself, you cannot rely on anyone for your health. And to keep yourself healthy and safe throughout the trip, the best option is to avoid street food. Nepal has many decent cafes and restaurants that will provide amazing dishes to you.
Many restaurants in Nepal have traditional items, continental food dishes, and even street food items made a lot more delicious. So, instead of going for street food, where items are made in a less sanitary manner, fulfill your cravings by visiting a decent restaurant. Moreover, if you are staying in a guesthouse, the accommodation will have dining services at a reasonable cost. So, if you want to save money and time, you can eat at your comfort place.
4. Buy Travel Insurance
Most people skip this point assuming a place as beautiful as Nepal can never lead to something troublesome. However, if you want to save yourself from a bad experience and enjoy your trip without any stress, I recommend you buy your travel insurance before you start your journey.
Although it is not mandatory for Nepal, you never know when you might become a victim of theft or accident. You might get your wallet stolen or even fall in need of visiting the hospital for health care. In such cases, travel insurance will become your best support and leave you with no worries.
In case you are worried about the cost, you will find many travel insurance that doesn’t cost much. Having insurance will help you get treated easily at hospitals because they are not free in Nepal but have affiliations with insurance companies to quickly act at your service.
5. Book A Taxi At Night
If you are traveling all by yourself, never let your ego or money-saving interests win. No matter how safe and protected you feel, especially for western women, never walk back home at night. Book a taxi or wait for public transport like the local bus for safety.
While most major cities seem safe, there are many dark alleys and streets in Nepal that are not safe for women at night. Especially being a conservative country still, people end up doing wrong things when they see western women walking alone in Nepal and take advantage of the moment. So, it is best to take a taxi at night and avoid walking.
6. Never Trek Alone
While most male solo trekkers find it quite adventurous to trek alone in Nepal, it is better to have a guide. There has been news in recent times that many foreign trekkers who went alone in the mountains went missing. So, it is best to have a guide when taking trekking routes.
However, if you cannot find a guide and have no friends to trek with you, the best thing you can do is search for other trekkers. You will always find a group willing to have a new addition. This goes for female and first-time trekkers as well. Being a female trekker, opting for a male guide can be equally dangerous. It is not to say that all male guides are a sign of danger, but for safety, it is best to join other travelers.
Next important thing is to buy a local sim card or a disposable phone. It is to let your family and friends know where you are going and to stay in touch. Always let someone you trust know your location and keep them updated with your routes.
It is also recommended that you buy your trekking insurance. Natural disasters like avalanches and landslides are common. Especially if you are opting for the Everest base camp trek, you should keep your trekking insurance with you.
7. Never Hurt Religious Sentiments
One thing that you should never forget is that Nepal is a religious country. No matter what you say or do, never try to insult or make fun of religious sites. Avoid breaking religious taboos and follow the rules that the Nepali people follow in local life.
Nepal is majorly divided into Hindu and Buddhist religions, which are very different from one another. If you are not a follower of either of the religions, always act in a generally acceptable behavior so that you do not offend anyone. Most locals will understand your ignorance, but many will frown upon your actions and might even punish you. Especially in rural areas, try to follow cultural norms followed by the ethnic groups. Using such common sense can make your trip to Nepal truly magical and worth it.
8. Always Be Extra Careful
This final tip is for female solo travelers. To ensure that you are safe and secure, dress modestly. As mentioned before, Nepal is a conservative country, and locals expect you to act accordingly. You cannot wear a bikini top and shorts to roam around when it is hot. Always try to cover your chest and wear pants that cover your knees. Women who wear revealing clothes are always treated differently and frowned upon.
Another point is to find a group at night. Although Nepal has exciting nightlife for tourists, it is dangerous to be all by yourself if you are a female traveler. Always try to find a group when you have night plans and prefer popular destination cafes instead of secluded ones. You must also keep the number of tourist police at all times.
Wrapping Up!
So, there you go! If you keep all these pointers in mind, nothing can stop you from having the most blissful time of your life in Nepal. Especially as solo travelers, you must keep these little things in mind to avoid any emergencies. In case you do fall into an unwanted situation and need to seek help, don’t worry. We have got you covered for all sides.
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